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La Abeja

As a native of Boyle Heights, I’ve enjoyed some of the best Mexican food in Los Angeles. La Abeja (The Honey Bee) is certainly one of the best. It’s located in Northeast Los Angeles and is the hangout of former LA City Councilman Mike Hernandez. It’s also a favorite hang-out for local LAPD patrol officers.

It’s a well established fact that you grade a Mexican restaurant by the quality of its salsa, rice and beans. This place has the best beans in town! Rumor has it that an ingredient that imparts a taste similar to that of lard is used in La Abeja’s beans. Whatever it is, the beans here are muy deliciosos!

Rogelio has been the owner of this establishment since he opened it with his parents in 1969. I can’t imagine the place without him or Gloria, a 73-year-old waitress who’s been there for 39 years, speaks limited English and while slower than molasses, when it comes to serving, still makes you feel like you’re being taken care of. Rogelio has a special Three Stooge’s collection as well as a paper money collection that comes from over 72 countries. All of these things, not to mention the food, give La Abeja that special something that keeps people continually coming back for more.

The menu is typical Mexican cuisine with one exception – no chicken. Their specialties are beef and pork. My favorite dish here is the huevos rancheros. Regardless of what you order, though, the real kicker is the salsa on the table; it is to die for! Another nice feature - the Maxwell House coffee keeps flowing once ordered.

La Abeja is only open for breakfast and lunch. It is also located right off the Gold Line and Heritage Square. Buen Provecho!